SOLUTION: A messenger, traveling at a speed of 65 mph, pursues a truck which has a headstart of 2 hours and overtakes the truck in 3 hours. Find the speed of the truck.

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: A messenger, traveling at a speed of 65 mph, pursues a truck which has a headstart of 2 hours and overtakes the truck in 3 hours. Find the speed of the truck.       Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 160638: A messenger, traveling at a speed of 65 mph, pursues a truck which has a headstart of 2 hours and overtakes the truck in 3 hours. Find the speed of the truck.

Answer by checkley77(12844) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
65*3=195 MILES THE PERSUING TRUCK OVERTAKES THE OTHER TRUCK.
5X=195 IS THE EQUATION FOR THE LEAD TRUCK WHO HAS BEEN DRIVING FOR 5 HOURS TO COVER THE SAME 195 MILES.
X=195/5
X=39 MPH FOR THE LEAD TRUCKS SPEED.
65*3=39*5
195=195